The North Sumatra Language Center collaborated with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) to host a talk show and literary performance on Monday (August 25) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The event, titled “From Sanusi Pane for Sovereignty”, was held to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day while honoring Sanusi Pane, a renowned writer and national figure from South Tapanuli.
In his opening remarks, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, expressed appreciation to the North Sumatra Language Center for partnering with UMSU in this initiative.
“Welcome to this appreciation event, held in commemoration of Independence Day and in memory of Sanusi Pane. Almost all Gen Z students today are unfamiliar with him, which makes this event all the more important,” he said.
Dr. Rudianto also emphasized that UMSU remains committed to being an inclusive and multicultural campus, now welcoming international students from various countries.
“These international students are enrolled in our Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program. Hopefully, this event will further develop both the Indonesian language and UMSU itself. Enjoy the talk show and literary appreciation session,” he added.
He went on to briefly introduce UMSU as a leading university on its way to becoming a world-class institution, also noting that UMSU will host the Muhammadiyah Congress in 2027 at Campus IV, Sampali Village, Percut Sei Tuan. He requested prayers and support for the success of this milestone.
Meanwhile, the Head of the North Sumatra Language Center, Dr. Asrif, M.Hum, highlighted Sanusi Pane’s significant yet often overlooked role in Indonesia’s national struggle.
“Thank you, UMSU, for this strong partnership. Interestingly, Sanusi Pane’s name is more often mentioned in Jakarta than here in North Sumatra. Yet, he was a remarkable figure from South Tapanuli with profound nationalistic insight—comparable to Tabrani, who has already been recognized as a National Hero,” he explained.
He further noted that Sanusi Pane, alongside Tabrani, opposed Mohammad Yamin’s proposal regarding the third principle of the Youth Pledge, ultimately affirming the Indonesian language as the unifying language.
“It is only fitting that Sanusi Pane be recognized as a National Hero. The provincial government, South Tapanuli Regency, and the Language Center must continue this effort. We will stand together in advocating for his recognition,” he stressed.
The event was officially opened by the Chairman of Commission E of the North Sumatra Provincial Parliament, Drs. H. Muhammad Subandi, S.T., M.M., who underscored the importance of honoring literary figures who contributed to Indonesia’s independence through their ideas and works.
“The contributions of our past writers were extraordinary. I believe it is appropriate for Sanusi Pane to be awarded the title of National Hero. His books should be available in every library to broaden knowledge,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to UMSU for hosting the event.
“As a leading campus in North Sumatra with international recognition, UMSU even ranks among the world’s top 10 Islamic universities. The trust given by Muhammadiyah to UMSU to host the 2027 Congress is a source of pride for us all. Hopefully, the Congress will be a success, and we must work together toward that goal,” he concluded.
The event continued with a monologue performance about Sanusi Pane, the “From Sanusi Pane for the Sovereignty of the Indonesian Language” literary talk show featuring H. Jafar Syahbuddin Ritonga, M.B.A., D.B.A., Dr. Maryanto, M.Hum, Bersihar Lubis, and Prof. Khairil Ansari, moderated by Hasan Al Banna. It also included a theater performance and the awarding of prizes for the Digital Poetry Musicalization Festival.
Attending the event were South Tapanuli Vice Regent H. Jafar Syahbuddin Ritonga, M.B.A., D.B.A., Chairman of Commission E of the North Sumatra Provincial Parliament Drs. H. Muhammad Subandi, S.T., M.M., Head of the Center for Language and Literature Development, Jakarta, Dr. Maryanto, M.Hum, Head of the North Sumatra Language Center Dr. Asrif, M.Hum, along with his team, Chairman of UMSU’s PKBM Prof. Dr. Khairil Ansari, M.Pd, journalist Bersihar Lubis, and other participants.
